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The article discusses how Brussels, the international capital and home of the European Union and NATO, feels like a city preparing for war. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declared that 'Europe is in a fight' and must battle for its values and destiny in a world where dependencies are being ruthlessly weaponized and major powers are hostile to Europe. The article highlights the growing sense of unease and preparation for potential conflict in Europe, citing the need for homeland defence and the vulnerability of Europe if America were to abandon the continent.

The article discusses the escalating trade war between China and the United States under the leadership of Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. Both leaders appear to subscribe to a philosophy that strength is key to safety, and their aggressive posturing is causing concern among trade partners who fear dependence on either giant. The trade war is roaring back to life with threats from both sides that could upend the global economy.

The article discusses Europe's struggle to prioritize homeland defence in the face of a potential American withdrawal from the continent. Years of expeditionary operations have left Europe vulnerable, and the idea of abandonment by America is now a planning scenario. The article highlights Europe's need to prepare for a potential loss of American military presence and to develop its own defence capabilities.

The article discusses the sudden collapse of First Brands, a small Ohio-based manufacturer of automotive parts, which borrowed over $10 billion and has since faced a Department of Justice investigation and the resignation of its CEO. The event has sent shockwaves through Wall Street, serving as a warning about the dangers of unchecked borrowing and financial mismanagement. The article draws parallels between this incident and broader themes in global commerce and financial stability.

The article discusses how cycling is revolutionizing urban transport, with a significant increase in the number of cyclists on the roads, particularly in cities like Montreal. The author argues that urban planners prefer bicycles over cars due to their efficiency and environmental benefits. The article highlights the contrast between the number of cyclists and cars on the roads, with cyclists outnumbering cars in some areas.

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The article discusses how the elderly are becoming increasingly addicted to screens, particularly through video games and smartphone usage. The National Centre for Gaming Disorders in Britain has seen a rise in patients over 40, with the oldest being 72 years old. This trend is transforming old age and redefining digital habits.

The article discusses the increasing screen time among older adults, particularly pensioners, and how it compares to the concern over children's screen time. While parents and academics worry about the effects of excessive screen time on children, the article argues that the screen time of older adults is equally concerning. The article highlights how a new generation of pensioners is glued to their smartphones and suggests that this trend may have significant implications.

The article discusses the rise of temporary migration across the rich world, with a significant increase in short-term visas issued to working migrants between 2014 and 2023. Even countries with traditionally restrictive migration policies, such as Hungary, Italy, Japan, and South Korea, are embracing temporary migration schemes. The article argues that temporary workers bring great benefits and highlights the growing trend of cross-border temporary work arrangements.

The article discusses a recent espionage scandal in Britain and draws three key lessons from it. The author, Shashank Joshi, the defence editor of The Economist, analyzes the fiasco and its implications. The article is part of The War Room newsletter, which covers international defence and security issues. While the specific details of the scandal are not provided in the given content, the article likely examines the consequences of the espionage incident and what it reveals about Britain's security apparatus.

The article discusses the issue of deforestation in tropical forests, particularly in Brazil, and argues that the world needs to find a way to make conservation pay. It highlights the social costs of clearing rainforests, which are estimated to be 30 times the benefits of rearing cows on the land. The article suggests that the world should learn from Brazil's experience in managing its rainforests and finding ways to balance economic development with conservation.

The article argues that the Trump administration is focusing on the wrong aspect of Arctic security by being interested in Greenland, while ignoring the more pressing issue of Russian and Chinese military activities near Alaska. Since 2020, there have been 95 incursions by foreign military aircraft into North American airspace, with 91 of them occurring near Alaska. The article highlights the increasing intensity of Russian and Chinese military presence in the region, including joint patrols and the appearance of nuclear-capable bombers. The author suggests that the US should be more concerned about the security implications of these developments near Alaska rather than focusing on Greenland.

Brazil's former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 79, has announced his candidacy for a fourth term as president in the 2026 elections. Despite indicating during his last campaign that it would be his last, Lula stated he still has the same energy as when he was 30. Lula's decision comes despite health issues, including a brain surgery after a fall in the presidential palace. His potential opponent, former president Jair Bolsonaro, is unlikely to challenge him due to a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup. Lula previously served two terms between 2003 and 2011, and is currently serving his third term. The article also mentions Lula's interaction with US President Donald Trump, who imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods due to Bolsonaro's legal case.

Gaza doctors are investigating allegations of torture on 195 bodies returned by Israel as part of a ceasefire deal. The bodies, many of which are unidentified, show signs of severe mistreatment, including bruises, binding marks, and signs of strangulation. The forensic team at Nasser hospital in Gaza faces significant challenges, including a lack of resources and cold storage space, making it difficult to conduct thorough investigations. Experts say that the markings on the bodies raise questions about what happened, but concrete conclusions about abuse or torture are difficult to reach without post-mortems. The situation has been described as an 'international forensic emergency'.

The article discusses the recent arrest and corruption charges against Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia's former Prime Minister, who is accused of laundering $6.5m found in his flat. Garibashvili was a loyal ally of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia's de facto leader, but has now pleaded guilty to corruption charges that could carry a 12-year jail term. The case marks a dramatic fall for Garibashvili, who had worked in Ivanishvili's companies before entering politics in 2011. The charges are the latest in a string of detentions of ex-government officials and come amid the ruling party's authoritarian pivot away from the West. Analysts believe that Ivanishvili's mistrust of his former political appointees is behind Garibashvili's downfall.

Michael Smuss, a 99-year-old Warsaw Ghetto survivor who resisted the Nazis, has died in Israel. Smuss joined the ghetto uprising as a teenager in 1943, helping to make petrol bombs, and survived concentration camps and a death march. After the war, he became an artist and Holocaust educator, sharing his experiences with young people in Germany and promoting dialogue between countries. The German and Polish embassies in Israel paid tribute to Smuss, with the German embassy stating that he 'repeatedly risked his life during the Holocaust, fighting for survival and helping other prisoners.'

The FBI has arrested dozens of people, including NBA player Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups, in a crackdown on illegal sports betting and mafia-linked poker games. Rozier is accused of faking an injury to influence betting markets, while Billups is alleged to have participated in a rigged poker game scheme. The investigation uncovered a complex web of corruption involving multiple crime families, high-tech cheating devices, and tens of millions of dollars in fraud.

A 27-year-old woman, Dahbia Benkired, has been sentenced to a whole-life term for the rape and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet in Paris. The sentence is rare in France and follows a trial that highlighted the extreme cruelty of the crime. Benkired, an Algerian immigrant who was in France on a student visa that had expired, was found to have 'psychopathic' traits but was deemed sane. The case has sparked a political debate in France, with right-wing and far-right politicians criticizing immigration policies. Lola's family expressed relief at the verdict, with her mother stating that justice had been served.

China's recent pause on stablecoin projects in Hong Kong is not expected to hinder the city's cryptocurrency push, according to experts. Despite the People's Bank of China (PBOC) summoning mainland firms to wait for instructions before proceeding with stablecoin initiatives, the Chinese government's overall openness to digital assets remains unchanged. The move is seen as an attempt to cool down the fervor surrounding stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization in Hong Kong, which has been allowed to develop its digital asset sector since 2022.

China's sanctions on South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean may drive up costs in the medium term but could boost ties with the US in the long term. The sanctions target five US-based affiliates of Hanwha Ocean, allegedly for supporting a US investigation into Chinese competitors. Analysts say this may encourage Hanwha to help Washington build naval shipbuilding capacity, potentially expanding a US-South Korea shipbuilding cooperation project worth $150 billion.

Hong Kong investigators have recovered the 'black boxes' from a crashed cargo plane that killed two security workers earlier this week. The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) retrieved the flight data recorders from the salvaged wreckage and has sent them to a laboratory for preliminary examination. The AAIA has pledged to release a preliminary report within a month and continue a thorough investigation to determine the sequence of events and causes of the accident.

Southeast Asia's small and medium-sized enterprises are adjusting to a post-America trade future due to US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Companies are regrouping and preparing for a long-term future with less dependence on America by finding new markets closer to home, tightening margins, and limiting exposure to tariffs. Malaysian menswear designer Bon Zainal Harun is an example of a business that has been affected by the 19% tariff on his exports to the US and is now looking to 'hustle and stay relevant'.

The article discusses the STEM crisis in China's universities, where outdated courses are failing to prepare students for real-world employment. Critics argue that the education system prioritizes theory over practical experience, leaving students unprepared for the demands of the modern workforce. Entrepreneur Wang Xingxing, founder of Unitree Robotics, criticizes the education system for being outdated and not teaching cutting-edge technologies. The article highlights the need for Chinese educators and innovators to reform the STEM education system to nurture more talented individuals like Wang.

Veteran Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip has announced that she will not seek re-election in the upcoming Legislative Council election, ending her 17-year tenure in the legislature. Ip, who is 75 and chairwoman of the New People's Party, stated that she is passing the torch to younger people but is not retiring, as she will continue to work with the Executive Council, her think tank, and promote people-to-people diplomacy. Ip has been a prominent figure in Hong Kong politics since 2008 and has served as a senior government adviser. Her decision has been framed as a generational shift, with Ip expressing her commitment to continuing her work in various capacities.

Two men in their 60s were hospitalized after a World War II artillery shell they found in a forest and brought home exploded in their apartment in Głubczyce, Poland. The men had been drinking alcohol, and one was significantly over the legal limit for driving. Police evacuated the building and surrounding houses, and found another unexploded device, an WWII-era mine, which they secured and later neutralized. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the incident.

Mexican authorities discovered 48 bags containing human remains in a clandestine grave near Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, a stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The remains were found by a search group on a vacant lot in Zapopan, a municipality in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. Officials are still trying to determine the exact number of victims and are analyzing the remains. The discovery is the latest in a series of mass graves found in Jalisco, which has been heavily affected by the crisis of missing persons in Mexico. The CJNG is suspected to be responsible for the disappearances and has been accused of violent activities, including torturing and killing recruits. The US has designated the CJNG as a 'foreign terrorist organization' and offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the capture of its leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho'.

A record number of bear attacks in Japan has resulted in one death and four injuries. The attacks occurred in the northern region of Akita and central Toyama region. The Japanese government has vowed to take measures to address the issue, including increasing the number of government hunters and managing the bear population. The increase in bear attacks is attributed to factors such as climate change, a declining human population, and the abandonment of rural areas.

A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand was hospitalized after ingesting 80-100 high-powered magnets, which caused significant damage to his bowel and large intestine. The magnets were removed through surgery, but not before they caused pressure necrosis, resulting in the loss of part of his bowel. The boy purchased the magnets online from Temu, a platform that has since launched an internal review and is reviewing product listings to ensure compliance with local regulations. The incident highlights the dangers of high-powered magnets, which are often sold as desktop toys for adults but can be particularly risky if ingested.

Spanish authorities have found the body of a 56-year-old man who was swept away during devastating floods in the Valencia region last year, which killed over 230 people. The body was discovered in the Turia river, 19 miles from where he was initially swept away. The victim had been declared legally dead, and the discovery does not increase the official death toll. The floods raised questions about alert systems and emergency response, with campaigners demanding the resignation of regional government head Carlos Mazon. A state funeral will be held to mark the one-year anniversary of the disaster.

An American Christian missionary was kidnapped in Niger, West Africa, sparking concerns about their safety and the challenges of recovery. Security expert Bryan Stern of Grey Bull Rescue stated that the first 48 hours are critical in such cases, as the hostage may be traded or sold between groups with differing motives. The kidnapping occurred near Niger's presidential palace, and the missionary was taken north towards an area controlled by an ISIS offshoot. The US Embassy is working closely with local authorities, and US special operations units are likely monitoring the situation. The article highlights the complexity of the region, with various groups operating, including Russian proxies, criminal gangs, and Islamic fundamentalists.

A 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, was accidentally released from prison in the UK after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and another woman. The incident sparked a manhunt and widespread criticism of the UK's immigration system. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the release as 'totally unacceptable,' and officials are working to track down Kebatu and deport him. The incident has also led to renewed calls for the closure of migrant housing sites, including the Bell Hotel in Epping, where Kebatu was previously housed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has defended his comments linking migrants to fear among citizens, stating that many Germans and Europeans are 'afraid to move around in public spaces' due to migrants who do not abide by the rules. Merz faced backlash and accusations of racism, but maintained that migrants are 'an indispensable part of our labor market.' He refused to retract his statements, suggesting that citizens ask their daughters to understand his concerns. The controversy has sparked demonstrations and a petition signed by notable figures such as actor Marie Nasemann and environmental activist Luisa Neubauer.

Lithuania accused Russia of violating its airspace, prompting two Spanish fighter jets on a NATO air policing mission to scramble. The incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time when two Russian aircraft, an SU-30 and an IL-78, allegedly flew about 765 yards into Lithuanian airspace before leaving after 18 seconds. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda condemned the incident as a 'cruel violation of international law.' Russia's defense ministry denied the accusation, stating that their aircraft were conducting training flights over the Kaliningrad region without deviating from their route. The incident has heightened tensions between NATO countries and Russia, with Baltic nations on alert due to Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

The Pentagon has accepted a $130 million anonymous donation to help cover military paychecks during the ongoing government shutdown. President Trump announced the gift, stating that the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, 'loves the military and loves the country.' However, experts have raised concerns about the legality of the donation, citing that existing law only permits the military to accept private gifts for limited purposes. The Department of War accepted the donation under its general gift acceptance authority, but it is unclear whether the donor is an American citizen or a foreign national. The donation is seen as a symbolic gesture, as it only covers about one-third of one day's pay for the military.

A Department of Transportation (DOT) report has blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for violating federal law by upgrading the commercial driver's license (CDL) of Jashanpreet Singh, an illegal immigrant trucker involved in a deadly crash that killed three people. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy accused Newsom of breaking the law by not following new federal rules that bar illegal immigrants from holding CDLs. The rules, which took effect on September 26, require states to verify an applicant's legal status before issuing a CDL. Singh's CDL was upgraded on October 15, despite the new regulations. Duffy stated that Newsom's actions were 'dangerously broken' and that there will be consequences.

A 24-year-old Mississippi substitute teacher, Miata Borders, was fired on her first day for calling a female student 'shorty' in a viral TikTok video. Borders, who described herself as a 'content creator,' recorded her day at Lake Cormorant High School, including a pep rally parade where she made the comment. The video was viewed over 2.2 million times, leading to her termination by DeSoto County Schools. Borders claimed she was unaware that recording students was an issue and that she was making the videos for content purposes only. The incident has sparked controversy, with many criticizing Borders for her unprofessional behavior and invasion of students' privacy. The DeSoto County Schools district has faced recent controversies involving employees, including supporting a convicted sex offender and a teacher making out with an underage student.

Derek Martin, a 67-year-old man from Brighton, was found guilty of murdering Chloe Bashford and her husband Josh at their home in Newhaven, East Sussex in June 2023. Martin, who was previously married to Chloe's mother, claimed he 'just flipped' during a row about money and killed the couple. After the murder, he took the couple's four children to Costa and McDonald's, disposed of Chloe's mobile phone, and then handed himself in to the police. Martin admitted causing the couple's deaths but denied murder due to diminished responsibility. The jury rejected his claim, and he was convicted of two counts of murder. Martin is due to be sentenced on November 6.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's plans to host a Trump-Putin summit were scrapped, and the US imposed sanctions on Russia's largest oil producers, affecting Hungary's economy due to its heavy reliance on Russian energy imports. The EU also plans to ban Russian liquefied natural gas imports from 2027. Orbán's dependence on Russian energy has deepened despite EU efforts to diversify, potentially weakening his position ahead of a crucial election.

The article discusses the impact of US aid cuts on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, particularly children suffering from malnutrition. The cuts, defended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a way to cut bureaucracy, have resulted in a significant decrease in food donations and life-saving therapeutic food packets. The UN reports an 11% rise in acute malnutrition among children in the Cox's Bazar refugee camp. Aid agencies face a 'funding cliff' in 2026, with many predicting dire consequences, including deaths, if aid is not restored.

At least 25 people were killed and several others injured when a passenger bus burst into flames after a motorbike crashed into it in southern India. The incident occurred on a highway near Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh state, where the bus was traveling between Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The motorbike rider, who was also killed, rammed into the speeding bus from behind, causing sparks that engulfed the bus's fuel tank. Some passengers managed to break windows and escape with minor injuries, while others were trapped and charred to death. The bus was carrying 44 passengers, most of whom were asleep at the time of the crash. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered condolences to the bereaved families.

Sanae Takaichi, a former television presenter and heavy metal drummer with right-wing views, has become Japan's first female prime minister. She cites Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration and has a controversial blend of conservative politics and love for hard rock and motorbikes. The article discusses the significance of her election, the challenges she faces domestically and internationally, and features an interview with Dr. Kristin Surak, an expert on Japanese politics from the London School of Economics.

Carles Reina, a venture partner at Concept Ventures, invested in AI voice startup Eleven Labs after a 30-minute meeting with co-founder Mati Staniszewski in 2022. Despite the company having no concrete product at the time, Reina was impressed by Staniszewski's technical expertise and vision. Eleven Labs has since raised $180 million in its Series C funding round at a valuation of $3.3 billion and is planning a global expansion and IPO within the next five years. Reina specializes in investing in pre-seed companies and looks for founders with technical expertise and a deep understanding of the market.

Moody's credit rating agency maintained France's Aa3 sovereign rating but downgraded its outlook to 'negative' due to concerns over mounting political fragmentation and its impact on the country's ability to reduce its deficit. The decision is a relief for the French government, which has faced downgrades from other rating agencies. Finance Minister Roland Lescure stated that the government's commitment to reducing the deficit remains unchanged. However, Moody's warned that the government's decision to postpone a landmark pension reform could exacerbate fiscal challenges and negatively impact economic growth. The threat of more instability is worrying for France's economy, with business activity declining more quickly than expected in October.

Stephen K. Bannon, a former White House chief strategist and convicted fraudster, has publicly supported Donald Trump's potential run for a third term as president, despite the constitutional two-term limit. Bannon claimed there is 'a plan' to circumvent the 22nd Amendment, but did not elaborate. Trump's musings about a third term have been met with skepticism from some Republican leaders, while others have been more supportive. Bannon's statement comes after months of Trump toying with the idea of running again, and his influence among the far right could potentially impact Trump's decision.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and improved infrastructure. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with various rail arteries operated by KTM, including the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service. The Electric Train Service (ETS) has drastically shortened travel times between stations, and ridership for intercity rail service has more than doubled in the past decade. Train travel is not only a convenient mode of transportation for commuters but also a popular tourist activity, with the Jungle Railway route being a highlight. The Malaysian government has announced plans to improve infrastructure and public connectivity under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030).